Many people do not know what a multimeter is and it is true because we are not all experts in electricity. However, the usefulness of this tool is extremely valuable and people should know at least the basics. You can save a lot of time, money and effort by learning how to use a multimeter.
The great thing about this is that it is a very straightforward piece of equipment and can hold it in just about anyone’s day. On the other hand, if you’re a professional, you probably can’t imagine your day without a quality multimeter.
The only question is – which one to buy when the market is filled with dozens? Choosing the right one is not an easy task. However, that is why we are here. We provide an in-depth insight into the capabilities and features of the Fluke 101. If you are interested in buying a quality multimeter, go ahead and read this review and see if it fits your needs.
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Key Features
Included
- Multimeter 101
- TL75 test leads
- Two AAA batteries
More Details of the Fluke 101 DMM
101 Small and compact, about half the size of the legendary 87V. It is the lightest fluke DMM on the market and of course the most affordable. The big smartphone’s size and weight are suitable for hiding in tool belts, laptop bags, and kitchen drawers.
Despite its limited limitations, it is an automatic carrying multimeter of A.C. and D.C. volts, as well as resistance, frequency and duty cycles. Unfortunately, this device has no backlight, and it cannot measure current but has a diode tester and a hold feature.
It is the third-rated multimeter of the section. It is good for testing load-side single phase and three-step installations.
MAX RANGE, BEST ACCURACY
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Why Should I Buy It?
Fluke 101 Digital Multimeter works well in most trades and situations. Although it is not heavy duty, it is an example of home surroundings, property maintenance and HVAC systems.
You can use it in the industry as a backup but keep in mind it has no current test scope and is only Cat-III. Although relatively narrow, it has good capacitance and frequency range, so people in electronics can make good use of it.
Design / Build Quality
This DMM is designed for English, Chinese and American and world markets. Although plastic, electronic circuitry and protection levels are good enough for the U.S. market, Fluke provided Chinese factories with a way to reduce costs.
Although locally made ones are usually cut on top, making them in China is not a big deal, as most smartphones are kept together there nowadays. The dial selector has a great, tough action and it can be operated with one hand.
Most pocket DMMs have a hard-wired probe lead, while the 101 standard banana jack holds the plug lead. No kickstands are built into this meter, but you can buy a soft magnetic stand as an option. The battery bogie is separate, which makes the AAA battery easy to replace.
Interface: Like the others in this brand, the Fluke 101 screen is clean and crisp. It has a 6000-count resolution display with a refresh rate that is reasonably fast. Although there is no backlight, the screen displays all relevant icons, including the low battery indicator.
Function and Performance
The dial has seven positions, only the resistance and the frequency-sharing range – the continuity/diode check is usually within the range of resistance (Ω) and the frequency (hertz) range. The 101 has several buttons – a yellow “select” button, to change the range, and a hold button, to manually lock in a reading.
The jack sockets are at the bottom of the case – the COM (normal/black) and main (red) terminals. Since the Fluke 101 doesn’t have a kickstand, it can’t sit on a bench underneath it, so that’s not a problem. The extra magnetic stand removes it from the bench and there is also the option of hanging it.
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NOTE: This meter has only two jack sockets because it does not have the current-measuring capability. There is an auto power-off function, which shuts off the multimeter after 20 minutes of non-use. This can be disabled by holding down the yellow button while turning on the unit.
Overall, it performs well enough for its height and is quite accurate. The texts take longer to stabilize than their average testers, which is to be expected, and the continuity beeper is a little far from speed. Battery life is about 200 hours.
Fact Check
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